BACK on Air by Backhouse Jones

Hosted by Backhouse Jones

Business Entrepreneurship

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Latest episode

Jun 2026

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EN-US

About the show

The latest in road transport law

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60 recent

June 15, 2026Episode 111 hr 0 min

Inquests, investigations and operator responsibilities

BACK on Air is the podcast for operators who have compliance on their mind and road transport at the heart of their business.This podcast is a recording of our live fortnightly webinar held every other Friday. So, if you like what you hear and fancy joining the live event – where you can ask questions and vote in our interactive polls – you can register here: https://backhousejones.co.uk/free-webinar/In this episode, we take a look at recent issues arising from inquests, investigations, and operator responsibilities, with a particular focus on where health and safety law intersects with transport operations.From prevention of future deaths reports through to RIDDOR reporting and the practical realities of managing risk across bus, coach, and road transport operations, this session explores what operators need to be aware of in today’s regulatory environment.We explore:Inquests and Prevention of Future Deaths reports – what they are, what they mean for operators, and the practical steps businesses should consider in responseWhere health and safety law meets road traffic incidents – understanding when the HSE has jurisdiction and how investigations may overlapBus and coach operations – a practical discussion on managing situations involving unwell passengers and associated operational challengesRIDDOR reporting requirements – clarifying when incidents are reportable and what this means in practice for operatorsManaging risks associated with self-employed drivers – key considerations for oversight, responsibility, and practical risk management approachesThis session is packed with practical guidance and real-world insight to help operators navigate complex regulatory boundaries and strengthen day-to-day operational compliance.This podcast is correct at the time of broadcast and is not a substitute for tailored legal advice. If you need specific help, please seek professional legal guidance.Like the episode? Leave us a review and tell us what you’d like us to cover next – we read every one, and your feedback helps others find us.Contact: marketing@backhouses.co.ukwww.backhousejones.co.uk

June 15, 2026Episode 101 hr 2 min

Wise up to tachographs: Live Q+A

BACK on Air is the podcast for operators who have compliance on their mind and road transport at the heart of their business.This podcast is a recording of our live fortnightly webinar held every other Friday. So, if you like what you hear and fancy joining the live event – where you can ask questions and vote in our interactive polls – you can register here: https://backhousejones.co.uk/free-webinar/BACK by popular demand, Gordon Humphreys of Foster Transport Compliance returns for another tachograph episode, giving you the chance to wise up on the rules behind tachographs, how they apply in real-world operations – and ask any burning questions.Following strong interest in the last session, this episode continues the conversation, taking a look at the most common questions raised by operators, including:How tachograph data is analysed and how to interpret what the records are really showingCommon issues and anomalies, including micro-movements, overspeed events, and missing mileageCommon analysis and process mistakesHow to approach driver follow-up, training, and escalation decisionsHow infringements should be assessed in contextand much more!This podcast is correct at the time of broadcast and is not a substitute for tailored legal advice. If you need specific help, please seek professional legal guidance.Like the episode? Leave us a review and tell us what you’d like us to cover next – we read every one, and your feedback helps others find us.Contact: marketing@backhouses.co.ukwww.backhousejones.co.uk

May 18, 2026Episode 91 hr 2 min

Cyber special

BACK on Air is the podcast for operators who have compliance on their mind and road transport at the heart of their business.This podcast is a recording of our live fortnightly webinar held every other Friday. So, if you like what you hear and fancy joining the live event – where you can ask questions and vote in our interactive polls – you can register here: https://backhousejones.co.uk/free-webinar/In this episode, we’re joined by guest speaker Neil Topham from rradar as we take a practical look at cyber risk, legal updates, and operational resilience for transport operators.From cyber attacks and counter-terrorism awareness to the latest guidance surrounding Martyn’s Law, this session explores the growing pressures facing operators and what businesses can do to improve resilience in an increasingly complex risk environment.We explore:The Knights of Old cyber attack case study – what happened, how a single weak password contributed to the collapse of a 158-year-old haulage business, and the key lessons for operatorsPractical cyber risk management – including prevention, response, recovery, and improving cyber resilience across your operationMartyn’s Law latest guidance (April 2026) – what’s changed and what transport operators need to understand in practiceCounter-terrorism considerations for operators, including vehicle use awareness and wider operational responsibilitiesWhat the UK National Threat Level being raised to Severe means for operators and the wider transport sectorThis session is packed with practical guidance and real-world insight to help operators better understand emerging risks and strengthen operational resilience.This podcast is correct at the time of broadcast and is not a substitute for tailored legal advice. If you need specific help, please seek professional legal guidance.Like the episode? Leave us a review and tell us what you’d like us to cover next – we read every one, and your feedback helps others find us.Contact: marketing@backhouses.co.ukwww.backhousejones.co.uk

May 5, 2026Episode 81 hr 3 min

Management structure, employment, and rising fuel pressures

BACK on Air is the podcast for operators who have compliance on their mind and road transport at the heart of their business.This episode is a recording of our recent live webinar, where we focus on management structure, employment, and rising fuel pressures.This session takes a practical look at how operators can approach some of the most pressing operational challenges in today’s environment. From defining clear management roles and accountability, to effectively managing your workforce, and understanding the impact of rising fuel costs, we explore what good practice looks like in the real world.In this episode, we discuss:What a management team should look like – including roles, responsibilities, and where accountability sitsWho ultimately holds decision-making responsibility within your operationBuilding and managing your workforce – from recruitment and probation to ongoing monitoring, training, and disciplineHow to maintain standards beyond day oneWhether rising fuel costs or shortages could trigger force majeure and contractual protectionsIf you enjoy the episode and would like to join the live webinar – where you can ask questions and take part in interactive discussions – you can register here:https://backhousejones.co.uk/free-webinar/This podcast is correct at the time of broadcast and is not a substitute for tailored legal or compliance advice. If you need specific guidance, please seek professional support.Enjoyed the episode? Leave us a review and let us know what you’d like us to cover next.Contact: marketing@backhouses.co.ukWebsite: www.backhousejones.co.uk

April 23, 2026Episode 71 hr 1 min

Human factors behind driver behaviour: Why mistakes happen on the road

BACK on Air is the podcast for operators who have compliance on their mind and road transport at the heart of their business.This episode is a recording of our recent live webinar featuring Dr Lisa Dorn, founder of PsyDrive, who specialises in research, training, and interventions that improve driver safety.This session moves beyond headlines to explore a fundamental question: what really causes mistakes behind the wheel?We unpack the human factors that influence driver behaviour in the real world – from decision-making and perception to the operational pressures that shape day-to-day driving.In this episode, we discuss:How driver motives and decisions influence behaviour on the roadWhy errors and missed information still happen, even within structured systemsThe impact of stress, workload, and wider operational pressuresWhat organisations can do to support safer decisions and improve outcomesThis is not about compliance in isolation. It’s about understanding behaviour in context – and what operators can practically do to reduce risk across their fleet.If you enjoy the episode and would like to join the live webinar – where you can ask questions and take part in interactive polls – you can register here:https://backhousejones.co.uk/free-webinar/This podcast is correct at the time of broadcast and is not a substitute for tailored legal or compliance advice. If you need specific guidance, please seek professional support.Enjoyed the episode? Leave us a review and let us know what you’d like us to cover next.Contact: marketing@backhouses.co.ukWebsite: www.backhousejones.co.uk

March 24, 2026Episode 61 hr 3 min

Load security, DVSA interactions and Middle East disruption

BACK on Air is the podcast for operators who have compliance on their mind and road transport at the heart of their business.This episode is a recording of our latest live webinar, where we explored key issues affecting operators right now – from load security best practice to managing challenging interactions with the DVSA.Ensuring loads are properly secured is a fundamental part of operator compliance, and we look at how the Guide to Maintaining Roadworthiness applies in practice. We also discuss what can happen when encounters with enforcement officers become heated, and how to handle these situations professionally to minimise risk.We then turn to the wider operational challenges linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. From shipping disruption to rising fuel costs, these external pressures are creating real-world impacts for operators.In this episode, we discuss:Load security and best practice in line with the Guide to Maintaining RoadworthinessHow to manage difficult or heated interactions with the DVSAThe potential compliance implications of these situationsOperational challenges caused by global conflict and supply chain disruptionPractical steps to manage risks such as delayed shipments, route changes, and increased costsIf you enjoy the episode and would like to join the live webinar – where you can ask questions and take part in interactive polls – you can register here:https://backhousejones.co.uk/free-webinar/This podcast is correct at the time of broadcast and is not a substitute for tailored legal or compliance advice. If you need specific guidance, please seek professional support.Enjoyed the episode? Leave us a review and let us know what you’d like us to cover next.Contact: marketing@backhouses.co.uk

March 9, 2026Episode 51 hr 2 min

Mediation, driver defect reporting and managing difficult conversations

BACK on Air is the podcast for operators who have compliance on their mind and road transport at the heart of their business.This episode is a recording of our recent live webinar, where we explored how internal disagreements within a transport business can quickly become compliance issues if they’re not handled early.What starts as a difference of opinion – perhaps over driver defect reporting, supervision, or record keeping – can escalate into something much bigger. When conversations stall and tensions rise, regulatory risk often grows quietly in the background.In this episode, we discuss:How internal management disputes can develop within transport businessesThe compliance risks linked to driver defect reporting, supervision, and record keepingWhy avoiding difficult conversations often makes problems worsePractical ways to address disagreements before they escalateHow mediation can help businesses find a constructive way forwardIf you enjoy the episode and would like to join the live webinar – where you can ask questions and take part in interactive polls – you can register here:https://backhousejones.co.uk/free-webinar/This podcast is correct at the time of broadcast and is not a substitute for tailored legal or compliance advice. If you need specific guidance, please seek professional support.Enjoyed the episode? Leave us a review and let us know what you’d like us to cover next.Contact: marketing@backhouses.co.ukWebsite: www.backhousejones.co.uk

February 23, 2026Episode 41 hr 2 min

Start the Year of the Horse strong – Planning your future, Employment Rights Act changes and regulatory triggers

BACK on Air is the podcast for operators who have compliance on their mind and road transport at the heart of their business.This episode is a recording of our recent live webinar, where our legal experts explored the key corporate, employment and regulatory developments set to shape 2026.As we move into the Year of the Horse – a symbol of strength, endurance and forward momentum – we focus on what operators should be doing now to stay prepared, protected and ahead of the curve.In this episode, we cover:Preparing your business for a potential sale and what to expect during the due diligence processGetting your “house in order” so you’re ready when opportunity arisesThe key changes under the Employment Rights Act and what the implementation roadmap means for operatorsWhat might trigger a Public Inquiry – including management information, roadside encounters and MOT failuresPractical steps you can take now to influence outcomes and strengthen your compliance positionWhether you’re planning for growth, considering your long-term future, or simply want to make sure your business is ready for increased scrutiny, this episode provides clear, practical guidance you can act on straight away.If you’d like to join one of our live webinars – where you can ask questions and take part in interactive polls – you can register here:https://backhousejones.co.uk/free-webinar/This podcast is correct at the time of broadcast and is not a substitute for tailored legal or compliance advice. If you need specific guidance, please seek professional support.BACK on Air is the podcast for operators who have compliance on their mind and road transport at the heart of their business.Enjoyed the episode? Leave us a review and let us know what you’d like us to cover next.Contact: marketing@backhouses.co.ukWebsite: www.backhousejones.co.uk

February 10, 2026Episode 31 hr 2 min

From data to decisions: Tachographs, in focus

BACK on Air is the podcast for operators who have compliance on their mind and road transport at the heart of their business.This episode is a recording of our recent live webinar, where we welcomed back Gordon Humphreys of Foster Transport Compliance to unpack one of the areas operators most often get caught out by: tachographs.From understanding what the data is really telling you, to spotting issues before they escalate, Gordon shares practical, straight-talking insight drawn from real-world experience.In this episode, we cover:How to review tachograph data and identify common problem areasManaging mixed and occasional work without falling into compliance trapsWhat tachograph data actually shows – and what it doesn’tDriver follow-up, training, and effective day-to-day managementInfringements: when to escalate, and when it’s simply human errorWhether you’re managing a fleet or driving yourself, this episode is packed with useful takeaways you can apply straight away.If you enjoy the episode and would like to join the live webinar – where you can ask questions and take part in interactive polls – you can register here:https://backhousejones.co.uk/free-webinar/This podcast is correct at the time of broadcast and is not a substitute for tailored legal or compliance advice. If you need specific guidance, please seek professional support.Enjoyed the episode? Leave us a review and let us know what you’d like us to cover next.Contact: marketing@backhouses.co.ukWebsite: www.backhousejones.co.uk

January 26, 2026Episode 259 min

Employment Rights Changes, PMIs and Avoiding Transport Disputes

BACK on Air is the podcast for operators who have compliance on their mind and road transport at the heart of their business.This podcast is a recording of our live fortnightly webinar held every other Friday. So, if you like what you hear and fancy joining the live event – where you can ask questions and vote in our interactive polls – you can register here: https://backhousejones.co.uk/free-webinar/In this episode, our expert panel returns with another hour of practical, transport-focused insight, tackling some of the key regulatory, employment and dispute risks operators need to be aware of right now.With major legal and compliance developments on the horizon, the discussion focuses on what’s changing, where operators are most exposed, and how issues can be addressed before they escalate.We cover:The next tranche of Employment Rights Act changes – what’s coming and how businesses can start preparing nowA closer look at the Preventative Maintenance Inspection (PMI) process, with our regulatory team exploring the “monitor” purpose in practiceCommon disputes in the transport sector – and, crucially, how they can be avoided – with guidance from our Dispute Resolution teamThis podcast is correct at the time of broadcast and is not a substitute for tailored legal advice. If you need specific guidance, please seek professional legal support.Enjoyed the episode? Leave us a review and let us know what you’d like us to cover next – we read every one, and your feedback helps others find us.Contact: marketing@backhouses.co.ukWebsite: www.backhousejones.co.uk